The victory is vital for Cruz in his battle to shrink Trump’s lead. Cruz and Kasich continue to battle it out amid increasing rumors of a brokered convention in July, which would block Trump from the nomination. Cruz gained 36 delegates, compared to Trump’s six. John Kasich garnered 14.1 percent of all votes cast but failed to gain any delegates.

“Tonight is a turning point [and] a rallying cry,” Cruz told his supporters at a rally following the victory. “It is a call from the hardworking people of Wisconsin to America. We have a choice. A real choice.”

Bernie Sanders also had a crucial victory in Wisconsin — winning in almost every county in the state. However, Hillary Clinton still holds the lead in Democratic polls. Sanders won with 48 delegate votes to Clinton’s 38. He now needs at least two-thirds of all remaining delegates and superdelegates in order to win the nomination.

Bernie Sanders won a key victory in Wisconsin, but still has a ways to go before taking the lead in Democratic polls. (Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons)

Sanders spoke to supporters in Wyoming after his win, hoping to rally momentum. “With our victory tonight in Wisconsin, we have now won seven out of eight of the last caucuses and primaries,” he said. “I believe we have an excellent chance to win New York.”

The next key primary for both parties will be held on April 19 in New York, where GOP and Democrat candidates will compete for the vote of 95 and 291 delegates, respectively.